Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:382. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50492/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (382)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (383)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:383. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is awaiting surgery in St. James's Hospital since March 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50494/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Home Care Packages Provision
Ceisteanna (384)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:384. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a home care package by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50543/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Transfers
Ceisteanna (385)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:385. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be transferred from Galway University Hospital to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50545/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (386)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued a date for a urology appointment in Galway University Hospital; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (387)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:387. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be rescheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (388)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:388. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the dermatology waiting lists nationally by hospital. [50572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving access to hospital treatment is a key priority of the Government. In Budget 2019 the Government has further increased investment in this area, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to increase from €55m in 2018 to €75m in 2019
My Department is working closely with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE to finalise a Scheduled Care Access Plan for 2019 before the end of this year.
I recently met with the CEO's of all hospital groups and requested that they develop innovative proposals to address their outpatients lists in 2019.
In 2019, the NTPF will continue to work closely with Hospital Groups, inviting proposals to improve access for patients waiting for either Inpatient/Daycase or Outpatient procedures. NTPF authorisations are made in respect of the longest waiting patients first.
The data requested by the Deputy is contained in the attached documents.
Mental Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (389)
James Browne
Ceist:389. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of times the applicant for an involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act 2001 was a member of An Garda Síochána based on 2017 admissions; the number of involuntary admissions for that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50573/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission includes figures for the number of admission orders issued each year. It should be noted that the figures published by the Commission relate to the number of admission orders issued rather than the number of people admitted on an involuntary basis.
The number of such orders issued in 2017 was 2,337, of which 1,770 were involuntary admissions and 567 were re-grades from voluntary to involuntary status.
Of the 1,770 involuntary admissions, 449 applications were by members of An Garda Síochána.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (390)
James Browne
Ceist:390. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding area mental health management teams and their meetings with a liaison from An Garda Síochána; the number of area mental health management teams that do not meet with a specific liaison officer from An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (391)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if pulmonary fibrosis is covered by the long term illness scheme; if not, his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50575/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (392)
Robert Troy
Ceist:392. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; his views on the fact that this person has been informed that child ENT appointments are the subject of waiting times in excess of three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50576/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (393)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:393. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) who is seeking reimbursement under the medicine management programme; when a decision will issue in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50577/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (394)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:394. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the case of persons (details supplied) will be examined in view of their need for child and adolescent mental health services or CAMHS support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50581/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (395)
Robert Troy
Ceist:395. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled. [50585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
General Practitioner Data
Ceisteanna (396)
Joan Collins
Ceist:396. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in GP GMS contracts nationally; and his views on whether only 306 new general practitioners with GMS contracts from 2008 to 2018 is low. [50586/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of GPs holding a GMS contract has risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,500 as at 1 November 2018. GPs have both entered and exited the GMS scheme during this period, although overall numbers holding contracts have risen each year. At the end of 2017, 644 GPs had been awarded GMS contracts under Open Entry arrangements since entry to the GMS scheme was opened to all fully qualified and vocationally trained GPs in 2012.
The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
GP training places have been increased from 120 in 2009 to 193 in 2018 and the Government's objective is to continue to achieve annual increases in the number of training places available while ensuring that all of the places are filled.
Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum.
The Government remains committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice remains an attractive career option.
As the number of GMS vacancies nationally is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to provide this information directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Reports
Ceisteanna (397)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:397. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when the review of the level of supports and services to persons with autism spectrum disorder, in respect of which he established a working group in August 2017, will be published; and the status of progress. [50587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In July 2017, my colleague Simon Harris T.D. Minister for Health, asked the HSE to set up a Working Group to consider the effectiveness of existing services and identify models of good practice amongst such services to meet the needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The report entitled Review of the Irish Health Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders was finalised earlier this year and delivered to the Minister for his consideration.
Minister Harris intends to publish the review imminently and has also asked the HSE to proceed with the implementation of the recommendations in the report.
Homeless Persons Supports
Ceisteanna (398)
Michael Harty
Ceist:398. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health if the specialist access team for homeless persons with severe mental health difficulties located at Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 is now closed to new referrals due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Strategies
Ceisteanna (399)
Michael Harty
Ceist:399. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce a plan to roll out a unique health identifier and a HSE-wide electronic medical record to assist in public health data collection, patient management and develop the tools needed to implement and manage Sláintecare and the creation of new contracts with medical professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Individual Health Identifier (I.H.I.) is a key aspect of the eHealth strategy and has a legal basis in the Health Identifiers Act 2014. Since the publication of the strategy, there has been continued progress on the delivery of eHealth initiatives and the I.H.I. On 30 May 2017, a Commencement Order and Regulations under the Health Identifiers Act 2014 were signed, allowing for the implementation of the Individual Health Identifier. The IHI is available to GPs for eReferrals and as ICT systems across the health service are upgraded or adopted, they are being readied for I.H.I. implementation. The HSE have responsibility for implementing the I.H.I. and an implementation plan is in place, with the I.H.I. intended to be phased into a number of national systems on a periodic basis over the coming years.
With regard to the E.H.R., the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy outlines strategic actions on eHealth including that of a national Electronic Health Record solution, particularly in the context of the New Children’s Hospital development. A plan for the implementation of an Acute Electronic Health Record in the New Childrens Hospital is currently being drafted.
The implementation of a national Electronic Health Record and the Individual Health Identifier are challenging long-term programmes within the context of the overall eHealth strategy that will be supported in the years ahead by Sláintecare and the National Development Plan. The IHI and the E.H.R. are key initiatives to support the wider provision of patient safety and patient care in our health service. There are other actions and requirements that are necessary to assist in public health data collection and patient management, such as the introduction of a health information policy and a waiting list action plan. Strategic Action 10 of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy outlines a number of key actions to support putting in place a 'modern eHealth infrastructure and improve data, research and evaluation capabilities'. Detailed plans are currently being developed by the Sláintecare Office in my Department, in collaboration with Department colleagues and health agencies under its aegis.
Regarding the creation of new contracts with medical professionals, the Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract. The goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions, enabling general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients.
The Department and HSE recommenced engagement with the Irish Medical Organisation in early October on a package of measures comprising service improvements and contractual modernisation and reform. In line with the long-established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in a position to give further details at this stage.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (400)
Michael Harty
Ceist:400. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health if new abortion services will be rolled out in terms of operational access in view of the existing access issues in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have referred this question to the HSE as it is a service matter.
Oireachtas Joint Committee Recommendations
Ceisteanna (401)
Michael Harty
Ceist:401. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a new framework of free birth control and more effective sexual health relationship education; if this framework will be put in place as part of the roll out of new abortion services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Minister established a group, under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer, to consider the issues raised by the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution in their ancillary recommendations, including access to contraception. Primary legislation is required to expand eligibility to female contraception. My department will undertake detailed consideration of this proposal in 2019.
The report of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution also recommended that improvements should be made in sexual health and relationship education, including the areas of contraception and consent, in primary and post-primary schools, colleges, youth clubs and other organisations involved in education and interactions with young people.
In line with this recommendation, the Government’s Sexual Health Strategy (2015-2020) aims to provide comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual health education and information to everyone, to encourage the development of a healthy sexuality throughout life, and create a more supportive culture to support education in all settings. Indeed the Sexual Health Strategy sets out that sexual health education of children and young people is the primary responsibility of parents and should be supported through Relationships and Sexuality Education in primary and post-primary schools and by youth organisations and NGOs.
In line with the ancillary recommendation by the Joint Committee on Health in this area, a comprehensive sexual health and wellbeing education, information, and promotion programme will be developed by my Department and the HSE to raise awareness of sexual health and safer sex. This will include expanding access to barrier contraception (condoms). The provision of Sexual Health and Relationship Education in the school sector will also be enhanced by the strong current working arrangements between the education and health sectors through the Healthy Ireland framework. The health system will support any improvements or changes to school based Sexual Health and Relationship Education, including those arising from the review underway by the Department of Education.
Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (402)
Michael Harty
Ceist:402. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to correct the perceived insufficient funding for Sláintecare announced in budget 2019, most especially for transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50654/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am delighted that over €200 million has been allocated in Budget 2019 to directly support a range of additional services, including initiatives proposed in the Sláintecare Report and committed to in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
These include:
- The Sláintecare Programme Office has a budget of €1m for 2018 and an additional €2.5m has been allocated for 2019;
- €20m for the establishment of a new ring-fenced Sláintecare Integration Fund to drive improvements in the way we deliver care across the system;
- Funding for a new GP contract;
- Expansion of free GP care, by increase in the weekly income threshold for GP Visit card by €25 which could benefit up to 100,000 people;
- Additional funding for 100 new therapy posts to address assessment of need waiting lists for children with disabilities and funding to ensure that the needs of all those leaving school in 2019 will be addressed;
- €55m in new development funding aimed at further enhancing community mental health teams for adults and children;
- Reducing user charges and out of pocket payments by further reductions in prescription charges - 50 cent reduction in prescription charges from €2.00 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70 and by a €10 reduction in the monthly Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from €134 to €124; and
- Increased investment of €20m in the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This funding will be used to treat 70,000 patients on waiting lists in 2019.
This additional funding and the establishment of the programme office will allow implementation of Sláintecare to progress significantly in 2019. I expect to receive the 2019 Sláintecare Action Plan shortly setting out the priority actions for 2019.
I do not accept that this investment by Government represents insufficient funding for year one of what is a ten year programme of reform, investment and capacity building. Significant increases in expenditure take time to plan and implement. Funding for future years will be agreed with Government in the context of the annual estimates process. It should also be noted that the National Development Plan has committed €10.9 billion to health infrastructure, much of which will be on Sláintecare projects.
Risk Equalisation Scheme
Ceisteanna (403)
Michael Harty
Ceist:403. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health his views on whether supporting the health insurance industry with community rating, risk equalisation and tax expenditure runs contrary to the medium and long-term aims and objectives of Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Community rating, where risk is shared across all the community of insured people, ensures solidarity with and more affordable premiums for less healthy people and for older people. In effect, everyone pays the same amount of money for the same level of health insurance coverage, regardless of their age or health status.
Risk equalisation is essential to underpin community rating, as without it insurers with older and sicker customers would be forced to charge higher premiums. It is important to note that risk equalisation is Exchequer neutral: stamp duty is charged on each health insurance contract and redistributed to insurers based on their risk profile.
The voluntary private health insurance market in Ireland is proportionately one of the largest in the world. Given the fact that over 45% of Irish people hold health insurance, it is appropriate that our health insurance system is community-rated and is supported by risk equalisation. There is long-standing and cross-party political support for community rating, which is reflected and reaffirmed in the Oireachtas each year during the passage of the Health Insurance Bill.
The Sláintecare report anticipates that implementation of its reform programme will have an impact on the demand for private health insurance in Ireland, as enhancements and changes are made to the public health system. There is close and robust regulation of the health insurance market on an ongoing basis. In the coming years, we will continue to ensure that the regulatory regime in place is appropriate to the size of the market and to the role played by private health insurance within the healthcare system.